Buffalo Rising Online

Jul 15th 2008, 2:18pm By queenseyes

Last evening we got a sneak peek at Western New York Book Arts Center's new home in downtown's Slotkin Building (468 Washington Street). Man, this gang could not have found a more suitable home anywhere. The front door alone is something to behold. And the endless glass windows... this is truly a gallery devoted to the art of the book. There was a great crowd on hand to view the recent renovations lavished upon the old department store building. The floors have been laid with tile and the rustic ceilings have been left intact with the historic beams in plain view. (see the original story behind this project)

There was more than enough space to house the print shop and gallery, which featured an exhibit of wooden foundry patterns from Buffalo’s industrial past. These patterns were once functioning print mechanisms that now function as historic works of art and intrigue. Some of them functioned quite well as side tables where guests placed their glasses full of Flying Bison beer. The preview was catered by Elmwood's Europa restaurant - the same restaurant that will eventually set up inside by offering food fare to visitors. It is not yet certain whether the food will be available for sit-down service... as of this time talks have only reached the take-out level. Regardless, this will add an entirely new take on the book center. The food element could eventually be a great fit for 'Mohawk Park' situated directly out front from the building.

The basement of the Slotkin has been converted into a collection space for all of the printing devices that are not featured on the first floor. And the second floor is an endless labyrinth of functional possibilities. Between the wood floors and the intact glass panels, the rawness and preserved nature of the second floor is downright awesome. Eventually the floor will add to the overall dynamic of the book arts center in ways that no one can even imagine. Somehow it has been preserved over the years without being forsaken by destructive developers. I have to give major kudos to everyone who has ripped out the endless drop ceilings on the first floor and restored this corner for future generations of people to behold.

Want to check it out for yourself? Be sure to head on over to the amazing P22 and TypeCon Conference. After all, it wasn't long ago when The Slotkin sat under-utilized (see post).